I have to acknowledge the Rect. of your esteem’d favor of the 20 Ulto. Our Genl. Assembly are now in Session.1 their Conduct thus farr has been perfectly Fœderal, how long it may continue is uncertain. I am sorry that the assuming the State Debts & funding the Continental Debt are so long delay’d. so long as we are kept in suspence we are a prey to Speculators as most of our circulating Cash is employ’d in trading in paper.— ’till the Debt is fix’d but very little other Business can be carr’d on.— I do not find in the funding Bill any provision made for the New Emission Money, which runs on Interest & which Congress pledg’d their Faith to redeem & pay the Interest annually, provided the States neglected to make provision.2 One Years Interest only has been paid. I have a considerable sum in this kind belonging to my father’s Estate, which has lain for a number of Years.—3 Our Court has given up the Light Houses in this State to Congress, it will be necessary for Congress, soon to make the Law regulating Pilots. &c at present the Pilots of this port are under no controul. shou’d this Law be bro’t forward, the Marine Society of this port, wou’d be happy to render their services to put the Pilots on a proper footing.4

Mrs. Smith joins me in respects to Mrs. A— & yourself.—

Yrs. Most Respectfully

I most sincearly Congratulate you on The accession of Rhode Island to the Union. by this event the Chain seems compleat. may our publick deliberations be conducted with that wisdom as shall insure Happiness to this great Nation.

I have just return’d from attending our Genl Assembly, Convened on purpose to Elet Senators and prescribe the mode of Choosing the Representative. Your Humble Servant was a Candidate for a Senator, but was not able to obtain; the whole of the Paper Money and Antifederal Intrest being oposed to him. Theodore Foster Esqr. who is appointed is and has been Federal. but being Brother in Law to Govr Fenner we fear will be totally against the Assumption. Joseph Stanton the other Senator is a full blooded Anti and a strong advocate for paper Money. hope they will both be for promoting the General good when deteached from their old Connections.1

I have wrote the President of the United State praying him to appoint my Son Oliver Bowen to the place of Navel Officer for the District of Providence he is about Twenty two Years of Age has had a Liberal Education and at present attends an Apothecarys Shop. the U. States owe me nearly Twenty Thousand Dollars which I lent them in the Years 1776 & 77, which puts it out of my power to provide for him at present. Theodore Foster Esqr was the Navel Officer. by his appointment as a Senator it will become vacant. if you will be so kind as just to second my application to the President shall esteem my self under many Obligations to you therefor.2

I Remain with sentiments of the / highest Esteeme your Excellencys / most Obedient Humb. Servant